Ken is to become a honorary freeman

Ken Hudson with his wife Sue

Former longstanding Preston councillor Ken Hudson is to receive the freedom of the city.

Mr Hudson, who as councillor for the Ruran North Ward represented villages in the Garstang and Longridge area, stood down earlier this year.

He said he was “absolutely delighted” to have been chosen to join the list of honorary freemen of Preston.

He and community champion Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines are to become Honorary Freemen, in recognition of their services to Preston.

Mr Hudson said: “I lived in St Paul’s Road for a while and moved to Whittingham and lived in a hospital house there until I was 21. I’m Preston through and through. This is an absolutely perfect way to step down from the council and be awarded in this way.

“Obviously it’s not just about service on the council, it’s on a wider remit such as being a magistrate.

“And it’s a bit like always putting the rural areas first.”

Mr Hudson served on the council for 36 years, with an aim of “getting equality for rural communities.”

He said: “Up to recently I’ve managed to restrict development in the rural areas to an acceptable level, but unfortunately, just at the time I’m leaving, it’s anybody’s game.”

Mr Hudson, who joined the council in 1978 and was the Conservative group leader and also served as mayor, will receive the freedom of the city at a ceremony this month.

He said: “It’s something that’s not necessarily just for me. It’s some recognition of all the people in the rural areas who I’ve supported and they have supported me over the 36 years.”

Coun Nick Pomfret, the current Mayor of Preston, said: “Honorary Freeman is the highest honour that Preston can bestow on anyone and it is fitting that both Lady Grenfell-Baines and Ken Hudson are to be invited to become honorary freeman. Throughout their lives they have given unstinting service to the city and the people of Preston.

“They have given their time and energy to help others and make a real difference to Preston.

“They are following in very select and special footsteps as honorary freeman joining the likes of Nick Park and Andrew Flintoff as well as others such as former Coun Ian Hall, who too gave selfless service to the city of Preston.”